One of the most common questions we hear from customers in Bakersfield is, "What size dumpster do I need?" It is a fair question. Renting a dumpster that is too small means you might need a second haul, which costs more. Renting one that is too big means you are paying for space you do not use.
At R&G Transportation, we have helped hundreds of homeowners and contractors across Kern County choose the right dumpster for their projects. In this guide, we will walk you through the most common dumpster sizes and help you figure out which one makes the most sense for your job.
Understanding Dumpster Sizes
Roll-off dumpsters are measured in cubic yards. This tells you how much material the container can hold. The most common sizes for residential and commercial projects are 10-yard, 20-yard, 30-yard, and 40-yard dumpsters.
Here is a simple way to think about it: a cubic yard is roughly the size of a standard kitchen stove. So a 10-yard dumpster holds about 10 stoves worth of material.
10-Yard Dumpster
A 10-yard dumpster is the smallest option and works well for minor cleanouts or small projects. It is roughly 12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 feet tall.
Best for:
- Cleaning out a single garage or small basement
- Small bathroom or kitchen remodel debris
- Yard waste from a weekend cleanup
- Removing old flooring from one or two rooms
If you are doing a simple cleanout around your Bakersfield home and do not have a lot of heavy materials, this size usually does the job.
20-Yard Dumpster
The 20-yard dumpster is the most popular choice for homeowners. It is about 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4.5 feet tall.
Best for:
- Whole-house cleanouts
- Medium-sized renovation projects
- Roof replacement on a single-story home
- Deck or shed removal
- Flooring removal from an entire home
This is the dumpster size we recommend most often to homeowners in Bakersfield who are tackling a full cleanout or a bigger remodel.
30-Yard Dumpster
A 30-yard dumpster is larger and better suited for construction sites or major home projects. It measures about 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 6 feet tall.
Best for:
- New home construction debris
- Large addition or remodeling projects
- Commercial cleanouts
- Storm damage cleanup
Contractors working on job sites across Kern County often use this size because it can handle the volume of debris from bigger builds without needing multiple hauls.
40-Yard Dumpster
The 40-yard dumpster is the largest option available. It is about 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet tall.
Best for:
- Large-scale commercial construction
- Major demolition projects
- Industrial cleanouts
- Large roofing jobs on commercial buildings
This size is typically used by contractors handling big commercial or industrial jobs. It is not usually needed for residential projects.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size
If you are still unsure which size to choose, here are a few tips:
- When in doubt, go one size up. It is better to have a little extra room than to run out of space.
- Think about the type of material. Heavy items like concrete, dirt, or roofing shingles take up less space but add weight. Let us know what you are hauling so we can recommend the right option.
- Consider access. Make sure you have enough space in your driveway or job site for the dumpster size you choose.
Still Not Sure? Just Ask.
At R&G Transportation, we are happy to help you figure out the right dumpster size for your project. We have worked with homeowners and contractors throughout Bakersfield and the surrounding 50-mile area, so we know what works for different types of jobs.
Give us a call or request a free quote, and we will help you get exactly what you need without overpaying for space you will not use.